Swim Clear Blue Water with Family Near Pittsburg Together
Why Rent On Lake Francis
Lake Francis sits in New Hampshire’s Great North Woods near the town of Pittsburg, just south of the Quebec border, and the 1,934-acre reservoir feels like the kind of place people describe when they say they want to get away from it all. Created by the Murphy Dam in 1940 for flood control, it feeds into the Connecticut River and is surrounded by mountains, boreal forest, and a wildlife community that includes bald eagles, river otters, and common loons calling across the water at dusk. A cabin near Lake Francis is the kind of stay that resets your internal clock within 24 hours.
Boating, Fishing, and Complete Quiet
The lake is open for boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, and the river trails along the Connecticut River nearby provide a beautiful extension of the lake experience on foot. The state park campground is excellent and well-maintained, but a private vacation rental gives your family genuine privacy, a real kitchen, and the kind of morning views that make getting out of bed an easy decision.
Snowmobile and ATV Country
The town of Pittsburg is one of New Hampshire’s snowmobile capitals, with hundreds of miles of groomed trails accessible directly from the lake area. ATV trails are similarly extensive in summer, and the combination of water access and off-road adventure makes this a destination that keeps active families thoroughly occupied throughout any season.
Wildlife That Makes the Drive Worth Every Minute
Moose sightings are common on the roads leading to and around Lake Francis, particularly in the early morning and evening hours. Bald eagles fish the lake regularly, and the loon population is strong enough that their calls become the background music of the entire stay. This is one of the few places in New England where wildlife still has the upper hand.
A True Northern New England Retreat
A lakefront cabin near Lake Francis gives your family a full kitchen, comfortable bedrooms, fireside evenings, and the kind of silence that is genuinely hard to find south of the White Mountains. Pet-friendly rentals with outdoor space and lake views are available for families making the full drive north. This is not the closest New Hampshire lake to the highway, but it is one of the most rewarding.
- Surface area (mi)
- 4.87
- Max depth (ft)
- 82.02
- Elevation (ft)
- 1377.95
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 16.28
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Ice Skating
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Francis has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, swimming is allowed in Lake Francis. There are designated swimming areas available during the warmer months, but no lifeguard is on duty.
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Lake Francis is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts because it offers various activities such as fishing, canoeing, and ATV riding. The park also features a boat launch, campground with waterfront sites, and access to nearby snowmobile trails and dirt roads for mountain biking. Additionally, it has a playground and visitor center.
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The fishing season for lake trout and landlocked salmon in Lake Francis, New Hampshire, is from April 1 through September 30. During this period, you can catch these species using various fishing methods, including trolling. Ice fishing for lake trout is allowed from January 1 through March 31, but salmon cannot be taken through the ice.
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There is a public beach area at Lake Francis, but it is not a swimming spot. The beach is located a short walk from the main campground and includes a canoe launch area.
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Lake Francis is near the towns of Pittsburg and Clarksville in Coos County, New Hampshire. The lake is located along the boundary between these two towns, east of the village of Pittsburg. It is part of the larger area managed for recreation and flood control.
